Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, February 8, 2024
Shalom,
Menachem Notice: “Menachem” means comfort (especially to the bereaved). May the Lord comfort those who mourn. Our beloved friend, sister and servant of the Lord, Betsy Rigell died last Tuesday. Here is a link to her obituary and the details of arrangements made by her children. Betsy made a lasting impact on the work at Shomair. She will be missed. https://www.cremationbygrandview.com/obituaries/elizabeth-rigell
The Lessons Of Job, part 13
Seek Ye First
Of course you recognize the subject title for today, “Seek ye first” from Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” What “things” will be added to you? What “things” was Yeshua taking about previously that He has to start his statement with “But?” In verse 31, Yeshua tells us not to worry about what we will eat, drink or wear, because… all these things will be added to you… by your Father in heaven, Who knows what you need.
“Not to worry” (Yeshua’s admonition to us all) is not an invitation to complacency, but a divine assurance to trust God for provision in all things. Let’s be reminded… 1Peter 5:7 Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you. The Greek word for “cares” is “Melo,” which means “especially paying attention or taking an interest in.” Peter is telling us that God has a “special interest” in the details of our lives.
Hold on, isn’t God busy with the magnitude of His creation? Certainly, He must be too busy for “little ole me.” We must believe His promises, like this one from Deuteronomy 31:6 “Chazak! Be courageous! Do not be afraid or tremble before them. For Adonai your God—He is the One who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” The writer of Hebrews knew it, and quoted it… Hebrews 13:5b For God Himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Wait! That’s only the second part of the verse. The first part says essentially, “Don’t worry.” Hebrews 13:5a Keep your lifestyle free from the love of money, and be content with what you have. Are you seeing the same pattern that I’m seeing? Hebrews 12:2a focusing on Yeshua, the initiator and perfecter of faith. The rest of this verse brings us back to Job.
Hebrews 12:2b For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame; and He has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God. And to those who endure, as Yeshua did, there is a promised destiny (so take comfort in that)…
Ephesians 2:6 And He raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Messiah Yeshua— 7 to show in the olam ha-ba the measureless richness of His grace in kindness toward us in Messiah Yeshua.
Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
29 Sh’vat Thursday 8-Feb-24
Exodus 23:6-19 1 Kings 17 Psalm 108 John 4:1-30 1 Timothy 5